Review of Reviews Sprint Samsung Instinct SPH-M800

Sprint Samsung Instinct Rated 4 out of 5 by Review of Reviews from Wireless and Mobile New (Updated June 17, 2008)

The Samsung is Sprint's first EV-DO Rev. A 3G phone and because of its iPhone-likeness, many reviewers compared it to the iPhone, finding some features better and some weaker. Voice dialing and voice commands, multimedia features, unlimited media-packed plans, email, multimedia messaging, call quality, and GPS were all mentioned as working well.

The reviewers thought that the web browsing experience of the Samsung Instinct was not as elegant as the iPhone and although reviewers like the QWERTY landscape touch screen keyboard, it did not fix spelling errors. Handwriting recognition in graffiti mode recognized most entries. The email functions are easy to set up and work well without having to call the IT department.

The interface is snappy and allows you to set up your own favorite home screen, view photos/videos easily. The haptic feedback on the touchscreen received favorable notice while one reviewer noted that the touch buttons (back, home & call) were a bit tricky to use.

The Samsung Instinct feels sturdy and its dazzling screen is a bit smaller than the iPhone. Priced at $129.99 after rebate with a 2-year contract, it comes will a lot of features not found elsewhere. Please note the contracts must include an unlimited data plan. View a chart of iPhone 3G vs Samsung Instinct Features.Kent German at CNET rated the Samsung Instinct 8 out of 10 for the slick intuitive design, power-loaded innovative features, and excellent messaging and GPS. The lack of Wi-Fi & IM, erratic video quality, browser and no editing on the camera, he saw as faults in the device. A close competitor to the new iPhone 3G it shines with multimedia messaging, voice dialing, and voice/video recording. The Samsung Instinct feels sturdy, has a gorgeous display with simple menu UI. Haptic touch feedback is a nice feature, while home, back /call buttons were a tricky to operate. The landscape touch keyboard worked well. Handwriting recognition in graffiti mode recognize most entries. Accessories included an extra battery.Voice search with GPS found local restaurants easily. Unfortunately call quality was mixed, and EV-DO web connections was not as fast as hoped.

Sascha Sega at PCMag rated the Samsung Instinct 3.5 out of 5 for an excellent touchscreen, snazzy in its own right and Simply Everything Plan. The clear and bright screen tends to wash out in sunlight. The phone aspects of the Samsung Instinct are better than the iPhone. The Bluetooth worked but voice commands didn't over the Bluetooth. The stereo headset is propriety 3.5mm. Although software syncs contacts, there's no way to sync calendars or notes. The email functions are easy to use and "cool" because an IT department is not needed to set it up. Files can be sideloaded or copied via an included USB cable. The camera took sharp photos and beats the iPhone hands down while browsing isn't up to iPhone standards. But "if you want a fun, high-end media phone, the Instinct stands alone; prettily and proudly."

Gizmodo called the Samsung Instinct, "The Best Sprint or Samsung Phone Ever." Although it's not full featured smartphone it does carrier-centric things well such as create your own favorites on the home screen, easy email set up for major webmail providers and great web apps (weather news sports). The interface is called snappy and you can easily organized photos and videos. The GPS turn-by-turn directions Telenav and voice commands worked well. The touch keyboard was easy to use. The music player is clearly designed while the web browswer is abysmal and slow. The unlimited plan comes with many perks and is priced well. After playing with it for days. "It continues to impress."